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Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Define a Sustainable Dual-Level Residence

Authors:
Craig Nener, Jordan Pol
Charred Wooden Shingles and Local Stone Define a Sustainable Dual-Level Residence

Project in-detail

Utilizing charred wooden shingles and locally sourced stone, the design showcases a dual-level layout that fosters sustainable living while harmonizing with the cultural context of Dubai.
5 key facts about this project
01
Utilizes locally sourced materials, promoting regional craftsmanship.
02
Incorporates a dual-level floor plan for multifunctional living spaces.
03
Features integrated wind towers to enhance natural ventilation.
04
Employs charred wooden shingles for improved durability and aesthetics.
05
Includes central courtyards for sustainable light and cooling.

### Project Overview

Located in Dubai, the project integrates traditional Emirati design with modern architectural techniques, aiming to create a culturally relevant and sustainable living environment. Emphasizing the notion of adaptable spaces, the design balances heritage elements with contemporary materials to redefine urban living in the region. A key aspect of the proposal is the incorporation of the "Mashrabiya," a historical architectural feature known for its decorative latticework and passive cooling benefits, as a central narrative thread that connects the past with the future.

### Material Composition

The material selection is fundamental to the project’s sustainability and aesthetic appeal. Locally sourced stone serves as the primary material for structural elements and facades, providing thermal mass and reflecting regional architectural traditions. Reinforced concrete offers durability, while treated timber is utilized for ceilings and decorative details, introducing warmth and craftsmanship to the design. Extensive use of glass in windows and doors facilitates natural light and ventilation, bridging the interior and exterior spaces effectively. Textile fabrics enhance comfort and add visual texture, ensuring the interiors are both inviting and functional.

### Spatial Configuration

The design is organized over two levels, each addressing specific uses. The ground floor is dedicated to public spaces, featuring versatile living areas suitable for gatherings and social interaction, along with a service core that integrates essential utilities without detracting from the overall aesthetic. The upper floor comprises private quarters, including bedrooms that offer privacy while maintaining an open, airy feel typical of traditional Middle Eastern homes. Courtyards are strategically positioned to allow natural light and aid in cooling, fostering relaxation and community engagement. Additionally, wind towers are incorporated as part of the natural ventilation strategy, enhancing indoor comfort and reducing reliance on mechanical systems. The layout facilitates adaptability, enabling reconfiguration to suit the dynamic needs of residents.

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MICROHOME 10: Celebrating Small-Scale Living with €100,000 Prize Fund and Kingspan’s Innovation

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The MICROHOME 10 competition invites participants to submit visionary designs for off-grid, modular microhomes that push the limits of sustainable, small-scale living. Organised by Buildner in partnership with Kingspan and Hapi Homes, this tenth edition sets the challenge of designing a dwelling for two people within a maximum floor area of 25 m², encouraging bold solutions adaptable to any urban or rural location. The competition continues Buildner’s mission to foster innovative approaches to compact, energy-efficient housing that can address pressing global challenges.

This year’s edition offers a generous total prize fund of €100,000, including the Kingspan Award for designs that integrate high-performance Kingspan products and the Hapi Homes Award for a project selected for real-world construction. In addition to cash prizes, the winners gain international exposure through Buildner’s media partnerships, publications, and a dedicated MICROHOME magazine, further amplifying their ideas to the wider architectural community.

Key dates for MICROHOME 10 include the closing date for registration on 25 September 2025, the submission deadline on 29 October 2025 (11:59 p.m. London time), and the announcement of winners on 9 December 2025. These milestones ensure participants have clear timelines to develop and present their concepts, with early registration discounts available to support students and emerging designers worldwide.

MICROHOME

Design a new small-scale home concept in the 10th edition of MICROHOME — 100,000 € prize + construction

100,000 € Prize Fund / Kingpsan Edition #10 ideas COMPETITION
Prize 100,000 € + Potential realisation
Eligibility Open to all
Final registration deadline 25 September 2025

Enter an open architecture
competition now

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